The University of Hawaii School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene worked with its partner, the Ho`olokahi Department of the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, to involve high school students already affiliated with the Health Center. After initial discussion on community based research the students determined the geographic area to be researched and obtained the primarily photographic data that included tobacco advertisements and selling styles in the stores. The students also cooperated with a graduate Geography student to design the visual layout so that the map could serve as data for policy decisions on tobacco sales by the local community.
Using the students helped ensure that the display clearly indicated the extent of tobacco advertising as well provide positive reinforcement for the students on the dangers of tobacco usage. Local policy decisions to control tobacco sales could lead to a reduction in the negative health outcomes for the Native Hawaiian and other minority populations living in this area.